All pupillages are advertised on the Pupillage Gateway, which takes you through the process. You can also apply directly through chambers.
Pupillage vacancies are usually advertised 12-18 months in advance.
Preparing your application
You’ll need to answer three key questions:
- Why you want to be a barrister
- Why you would be a good barrister
- Why you are applying to that specific pupillage provider
When to apply
- Start preparing your application in November / December
- Gateway open for applications in early-late January
After applying
If your application is successful, you may be invited for 1-2 rounds of interviews.
If you are then accepted for pupillage, you will need to register your pupillage with us.
From September 2026, pupillage registrations are completed through an automated self-service system via the MyBar portal. Your pupillage provider will start the registration process for you, and you will be sent a unique link to complete your registration through MyBar.
If you are still waiting to hear from us on or within a month of your practising period start date, please contact us via email to [email protected].
You will still need to send us your non-practising (first six) and practising (second six) sign-off forms at the appropriate time: see our pupillage forms page for more information.
Useful resources
- Pro bono pupillage guide (produced in conjunction with Advocate, the Bar Council, the Free Representation Unit and the Council of the Inns of Court)
- Resources for barristers practising in the Coroners' Courts
Frequently asked questions
Who do I contact if I have a question about my pupillage registration?
You should contact the Authorisations Team. You can also visit our authorisations service updates page.
I submitted my registration three weeks ago and haven’t heard from you. My pupillage is due to start in a few days. What can I do?
You should visit our service update page in the first instance. Any delays in processing will be published here. If there is no published delay, then you should expect to receive your confirmation of registration before the start date. If you still have concerns, you can raise an enquiry with our team via [email protected]
I forgot to register my pupillage and started with my AETO 2 weeks ago. What should I do?
Contact the Authorisations Team and ask about Retrospective Registration.
